Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 WINONA, Minn. - Ripon's volleyball team opened their 2017 season Friday afternoon by splitting a pair of matches during day one of the Sugar Loaf Classic, hosted by Saint Mary's (Minn.). The Red Hawks won a thrilling five-set match against Central College to begin the day, before falling to Luther College in three sets.

Against Central, Ripon lost the first set 25-16, but rebounded to win the next two 25-22 and 25-20. After Central pushed won the fourth set 25-23, pushing the match to a fifth set, Ripon dug deep for a 15-9 victory in the deciding frame.

Aubreigh Zimmerman led the Red Hawks with 10 kills, while Jonalee Elliott and freshmen Emily Allard and Brooke Bauer each finished with seven kills. Allard had an outstanding debut with a hitting percentage of .316, while also leading the team in assists (26) and recording 12 digs, two service aces, and two total blocks. Brianna Rizutto posted a team-high four service aces, while Stacie Klika led the team with 20 digs.

In the day's second match, Ripon lost 25-18, 25-13, 25-20. Zimmerman again led the Red Hawks with seven kills, while Allard finished with six and team-highs of 21 assists and two service aces. Bauer also chipped in with five kills and a hitting percentage of .444.

The Red Hawks will be in action again on Saturday when they'll take part in day two of the Sugar Loaf Classic at Saint Mary's in Winona, Minn.